In America, we live in a society that prides itself on “free trade” and a capitalist-based economy. It is interesting to see how this interplays with democracy and freedom of speech. Anyone is free to have views and free to express those views. However, those with money can express themselves loudly. As a result, the “haves” get their way, and the “have nots” are subjugated by the former.
The Islamic concepts of zakat, sadaqah, and bayt-al-mal remedy these inequalities, but it would mean that the powers-that-be sacrifice quite a bit for the greater good of society. This, after all, is a society driven by usury.
What surprises me is that so many lower-class Americans are materialistic and obsessed with obtaining the elusive “American Dream”, all the time unaware that their personal struggle is part of the machine that oppresses them.
“If only they had been content with what Allah and His Messenger gave them, and had said, “Sufficient unto us is Allah! Allah and His Messenger will soon give us of His bounty: to Allah do we turn our hopes!” (that would have been the right course).” (Qur’an 9:59)
